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Fairfield to install pedestrian sign at Second and Broadway
FAIRFIELD — The Fairfield City Council has agreed to a plan to add a pedestrian crosswalk sign at the intersection of Second Street and Broadway Avenue.
Last year, the city removed the stop light at the intersection after officials deemed it was not worth replacing given the cost and because of the relatively light traffic coming from West Broadway Avenue compared to Second Street.
To make the intersection safer for pedestrians, the council agreed at its meeting Monday to request authority from the Iowa Department of Transportation to install a pedestrian sign in the middle of the street to remind motorists that they must stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Fairfield Public Works Director and City Engineer said the city will recommend installation of this sign on the north side of the intersection, because information city officials gathered about usage rates showed that more pedestrians cross Second Street on the north side of the intersection.
The sign will be identical to the one the city is using on Burlington Avenue on the south side of the square. And also just like the Burlington sign, this new sign on Second Street will only be up from May 1 through Oct. 30 so it doesn’t get in the way of snow plows in the winter.
“The one on Burlington did very well in its first year, and it’s now on its second year,” Carlson said.
Council member Katy Anderson asked if those two roads, Burlington Avenue and Second Street, have comparable traffic. Carlson said that Second Street probably gets less truck traffic.
“It’s not necessarily the trucks that we’re worried about, but everyday users who forget that it’s there,” Carlson said. “I think taking it down in the winter will be the best thing for it.”
Council member Paul Gandy asked if taking down the pedestrian signs in the winter would create a hazard for the pedestrians. Carlson said that there would not be the same warning to motorists without the sign, and she’s trying to improve pedestrian safety even more by applying for a grant that would install push-button signals at Second and Broadway.
Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com
